No doctor referral needed. Walk in, get better. Find a clinic near you →
TREATMENT TECHNIQUE

Rehab In The

Water

Water changes everything. Aquatic therapy uses the buoyancy and resistance of water to help you move, strengthen, and recover with less stress on painful joints.

ABOUT THIS SERVICE

What Is Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy is physical therapy performed in a warm pool. The water’s buoyancy reduces the load on your joints so you can move and exercise with less pain, while its resistance builds strength. It’s especially valuable when land-based exercise is too painful or high-impact, such as early after surgery or with arthritis.

“Highest-quality people providing the most evidence-based medicine that produces the best outcomes and creates the best value.”

Aaron Kraai, PT, DPT, Founder & CEO, Doctors of Physical Therapy

Less Joint Stress

Buoyancy unloads painful joints so you can move sooner.

Built-In Resistance

Water resists in every direction, building strength gently.

Move With Confidence

Reduced fall risk and support for balance work.

Bridge To Land

A stepping stone back to full land-based activity.

CONDITIONS & SYMPTOMS

What Aquatic Therapy Can Help

Aquatic therapy is ideal when land-based exercise is painful, including:

Arthritis

Arthritis Pain

Moving and strengthening with minimal joint stress.

Post-Op

Post-Surgical Recovery

Early rehab when weight-bearing on land is limited.

Back

Chronic Back Pain

Gentle strengthening and mobility for painful spines.

Balance

Balance & Fall Risk

Safe balance training with the water’s support.

Weight

Weight-Bearing Limits

When you can’t fully bear weight on land yet.

Chronic

Chronic Pain & Fibromyalgia

Warm-water movement for widespread pain.

DIRECT ACCESS

You Do Not Need a Doctor Permission to Take Care of Your Body

See a physical therapist directly, no referral required in most states.

Book Directly

Call us or book online. No referral. No authorization delay.

See a Licensed PT

Your first visit is a full evaluation with a licensed physical therapist.

Get a Custom Plan

Evidence-based, personalized to your body and your goals.

Get Better Faster

Better outcomes. Fewer visits. Back to doing what you love.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

No, aquatic therapy is done standing or supported in shallow, warm water; swimming isn’t required.

Buoyancy reduces joint stress so you can move sooner, while the water’s resistance builds strength.

People with arthritis, post-surgical limits, chronic pain, or balance concerns.

If land-based exercise is too painful or high-impact right now, your therapist can tell you whether aquatic therapy fits.

In most cases, no. Rules vary by plan and state.

Your first visit is a full evaluation, your therapist reviews your history, watches how you move, and builds a plan around your goals. In most states you can come directly, no referral needed.

Where To Get Care

Clinics Offering Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic Therapy is offered at the 1 clinics listed below. Services vary by location, so call ahead to confirm availability before your visit.

See all of our clinic locations →